French at Newtownhamilton High School
Welcome to the French Department at Newtownhamilton High School. French is a fun and interesting subject where you will not only have the opportunity to learn another language, but much more about the country, culture, food and people of France and the many other French speaking countries! In addition to learning another language, you will develop a wide range of skills and capabilities including literacy, creativity and the ability to communicate and listen well!
In Newtownhamilton High School, French is taught to all pupils in Year 8 - 10. At the end of Year 10 those pupils who decide not to go down the vocational route, study the language at GCSE. Currently all the 'X' groups study French in Years 11 and 12. Pupils are prepared for the AQA Modern Languages GCSE French.
Why study French?
To develop language skills in a variety of contexts.
In today’s multicultural society, being able to speak one or more languages provides students with a wealth of
opportunities and benefits.
New worlds are opened up when learning languages. Whether it is to get the most out of foreign travel, hobbies, interests or career development, immersion in the culture and language of another country or region helps our understanding of the world around us.
Moreover, learning another language will greatly enrich your life, both culturally and socially!
Teaching Time
Key Stage 3 - 3 periods a week
Key Stage 4 (GCSE) - 4 periods a week
Subject Content
Key Stage 3
• Self, family and friends
• Home life and daily routine
• Hobbies and interests
• School
• Health
• Part time jobs and careers
• Weather, towns and environment
• Travel and holidays
• Shopping
Key Stage 4 (GCSE AQA Syllabus)
1. Lifestyle
Health
Healthy and unhealthy lifestyles and their
consequences
Relationships and Choices
Relationships with family and friends
Future plans regarding: marriage/partnership
Social issues and equality
2. Leisure
Free Time and the Media
Free time activities
Shopping, money, fashion and trends
Advantages and disadvantages of new technology
Holidays
Plans, preferences, experiences
What to see and getting around
3. Home and Environment
Home and Local Area
Special occasions celebrated in the home
Home, town, neighbourhood and region, where it is and what it is like
Environment
Current problems facing the planet
Being environmentally friendly within the home and local area
4. Work and Education
School/College and Future Plans
What school/college is like
Pressures and problems
Current and Future Jobs
Looking for and getting a job
Advantages and disadvantages of different jobs
Exam: If you choose to study French at GCSE you complete two short exams - Listening and Reading. The speaking and writing parts are now done as Controlled Assessment.
Unit 1: French listening
Students can be entered for either Foundation or Higher, but not both (20% of the marks)
Foundation Tier - 30 minutes (35 marks)
Higher Tier - 40 minutes (40 marks)
Unit 2: French reading
Students can be entered for either Foundation or Higher, but not both (20% of the marks)
Foundation Tier - 30 minutes (35 marks)
Higher Tier - 50 minutes (45 marks)
Unit 3: French speaking (controlled Assessment)
30% of the marks (60 marks)
Students will complete two controlled assessment tasks. These tasks are untiered. Differentiation is by
outcome, not by task.
Unit 4: French writing (Controlled Assessment)
30% of the marks (60 marks)
Students will complete two controlled assessment tasks. These tasks are untiered. Differentiation is by
outcome, not by task. The tasks will be marked by AQA. Students must complete all work independently.
Further Education/Employment Opportunities
With competition for University places at an all time high many courses are asking that applicants have a GCSE in a Modern Language, so having your GCSE in French could be a factor in you gaining a place on your preferred course at University!
Recent surveys show that language graduates are less likely to be unemployed than those in other disciplines.
Today's global economy means that businesses and corporations all over the world are keen to recruit people with language skills.
Employers not only value an employee's ability to communicate in another language, but also the excellent communication and interpersonal skills language students develop during their studies.
Young people with language skills are also finding opportunities in other industries such as, tourism, government, marketing, IT, journalism, engineering and the financial services.
Career Possibilities - Where could my knowledge of French possibly take me?
Special Events
Traditionally the European Day of Languages is celebrated in Newtownhamilton High School with a delicious continental breakfast enjoyed by the whole school and hosted by Mrs Laverty with the help of the classroom assistants and year 12 pupils. Pupils also participated in a special European Day of Languages assembly and each form group took part in a European Day of Languages Fun Quiz after which prizes were awarded to top scorers. As ususal, the event was a great success.
In February 2007, the French Department collaborated with the P.E. Department to organise a ski trip to Alpe d' Huez in France. In all 40 young people form Newtownhamilton High travelled to France and enjoyed a week of fantastic sking, not to mention revelling in the opportunity to practice their French. The trip was a great success and we hope to repeat this in the near future. Additionally some of our KS3 pupils travelled to Paris in June 2010. Pupils got the opportunity to visit the Eiffel Tower, the Stade de France and also enjoyed a visit to Euro Disney.
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